Interchangeable ball hitch

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable ball hitch includes a post with a threaded stem and a tapered shank, a ball including a tapered bore adapted for receipt on the tapered shank and a cap for engaging a locking track carried on the tapered shank and securing the ball to the post.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/117,544 filed Jan. 28, 1999 and is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/479,152 filed Jan. 7, 2000.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the towing field andmore particularly to an interchangeable ball hitch that may beconveniently utilized to quickly and efficiently tow trailers requiringhitch balls of various diameter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The use of a ball joint coupling comprising a hitch ball andcooperating socket assembly in order to tow a trailer behind a towingvehicle is well known in the art. Such an arrangement provides thenecessary freedom of movement to allow a trailer to track smoothlybehind the towing vehicle and this is advantageously accomplished whilealso providing a dependable connection.

[0004] Over the years hitch balls of various diameters have been usedfor this purpose and several industry standard sizes (e.g. 1 ⅞″, 2″, 2¼″, 2 {fraction (5/16)}″) are now in frequent use. As a result, it isnot uncommon for a single towing vehicle to be used to tow varioustrailers where those trailers are equipped with socket assembliesadapted for operative connection with hitch balls of differentdiameters. Thus, a need is identified for a ball hitch allowing easy andconvenient interchange of hitch balls of different diameter so that thehitch of the towing vehicle may be tailored to fit the socket assemblyon the trailer to be towed and thereby meet application needs.

[0005] Toward this end, a number of approaches have been proposed in thepast. Representative of the interchangeable ball hitch art are U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,433,854 to Smith, 4,522,421 to Vance and 4,938,496 to Thomas etal. Generally, the prior art approaches are relatively complicatedstructures having many parts. As a consequence, they are not onlyexpensive to produce but also suffer from an increased likelihood offailure. In addition, many require special tools in order to allow thehitch ball to be changed. If these tools are lost or misplaced,significant inconvenience results. Accordingly, it is apparent that aneed exists for an improved interchangeable ball hitch overcoming thevarious limitations and disadvantages characteristic of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention toprovide an interchangeable ball hitch of relatively simple andinexpensive yet durable construction providing convenientinterchangeability of balls of various diameter over a long anddependable service life.

[0007] An additional object of the present invention is providing aninterchangeable ball hitch wherein balls of various diameter may besecurely held on a cooperating post while allowing relative rotationbetween the ball and post for best possible towing performance andefficiency.

[0008] Still another object of the present invention is providing aninterchangeable ball hitch wherein the ball may be quickly andconveniently changed as required to meet the needs of the vehicleoperator in towing trailers of various hitch arrangements without theneed of special tools.

[0009] Additional objects, advantages and other novel features of theinvention will be set forth in part in the description that follows andin part will become apparent to those skilled in the art uponexamination of the following or may be learned with the practice of theinvention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realizedand obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0010] To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordancewith the purposes of the present invention as described herein, animproved interchangeable ball hitch is provided. The interchangeableball hitch includes a post having a mounting stem and a tapered shank.Preferably, the tapered shank carries a locking track and cavity.

[0011] A ball including a tapered bore is received on the tapered shank.Additionally, a cap is provided for engaging the locking track andsecuring the ball to the post. A detent incorporating a spring loadedpin is received in the cavity for engaging the cap and securing the capin place in its ball securing position.

[0012] Still more specifically describing the invention, the mountingstem is threaded. The mounting stem is inserted through a cooperatingopening in the tow bar or ball mount of the hitch and may be secured inplace by means of an appropriate fastener of a type known in the artsuch as a locking nut.

[0013] In addition, in the most preferred embodiment the cap includes apair of opposed guide rails for engaging the locking track.Additionally, the cap includes a notch which receives the locking pinwhen the cap is properly seated on the locking track. Thisadvantageously insures that the cap is positively held in the desiredposition for securing the ball to the post. Thus, a double lock ofhighest integrity is provided.

[0014] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, amethod is provided for securing a hitch ball to a post. The methodincludes the steps of (1) placing the hitch ball on the post and (2)sliding a cap over the hitch ball. More specifically, one slides the capin a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofthe post until the cap engages the post and secures the hitch ball tothe post. The method may be further defined as including the step ofproviding a track on the post for engagement with the cap.

[0015] Still other objects of the present invention will become apparentto those skilled in this art from the following description whereinthere is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention,simply by way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carryout the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable ofother different embodiments and its several details are capable ofmodification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from theinvention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regardedas illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0016] The accompanying drawing incorporated in and forming a part ofthe specification, illustrates several aspects of the present inventionand together with the description serves to explain the principles ofthe invention. In the drawing:

[0017]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the interchangeable ballhitch of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the ball hitch of FIG. 1shown secured to a tow bar;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;and

[0020]FIG. 4 is a detailed bottom plan view of the cap used to securethe ball to the post.

[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in theaccompanying drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-4 showing the interchange-ableball hitch 10 of the present invention. The interchangeable ball hitch10 includes a post 12 having a threaded mounting stem 14, an enlargedbase collar 16 and a tapered shank 18. An annular locking track 20, suchas a dove tail channel, is provided at the top of the tapered shank 18.The annular locking track 20 extends continuously around the shank 18. Afastener such as a locking nut 19 may be tightened on the threadedmounting stem 14 in order to secure the hitch ball to a tow bar T orother support structure such as a ball mount of a weight distributinghitch.

[0023] Additionally, a cavity 22 is formed in the axial end of thetapered shank 18 remote from the base collar 16. A detent, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 26 is secured in the cavity 22. Thedetent 26 includes a housing 28 that conforms in size and shape to thecavity 22 so as to be received therein. The housing 28 holds a springloaded pin 30 the function of which will be described in greater detailbelow. Preferably, the detent 26 is cinched in place for a positivefrictional fit. In one alternative embodiment, the housing 28 and thesidewall of the cavity 22 may be threaded for screw like engagement. Ofcourse, other appropriate mounting arrangements could be utilized.

[0024] The interchangeable ball hitch 10 further includes a hitch ball32. As best shown in FIG. 3, hitch ball 32 includes a tapered bore 34which matches the taper of the tapered shank 18. Accordingly, hitch ball32 may be received on and secured to the tapered shank 18.

[0025] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the hitch ball 32 also includes aslot 36 which communicates with the tapered bore 34. When the hitch ball32 is properly seated on the tapered shank 18, slot 36 is aligned withthe locking track 20 at the top of the post 12. A unitary locking cap 38is then secured in position on the locking track 20 to hold the hitchball 32 to the post 12 in a manner described in greater detail below.

[0026] As best shown in FIG. 4, cap 38 includes a pair of opposed guiderails 40 and a notch 42. The guide rails 40 are sized, shaped and spacedto engage in the dove tail like channel of the locking track 20.Accordingly, the cap 38 is secured in position by sliding the caplaterally through the slot 36 in a direction substantially perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the post 12 and engaging the guide rails 40in the locking track 20. As a result, the hitch ball 32 is effectivelycaptured on the tapered shank 18 by the overlying cap 38. This isbecause the outer margin or shoulder 46 of the cap 38 engages theshoulder 48 of the ball 32.

[0027] When the cap 38 is fully and properly seated in position tosecure the hitch ball 32 to the post 12, the spring loaded locking pin30 of the detent 26 projects into and is received in the notch 42 on theunderside of the cap 38. Thus, the pin 30 provides a positive lockingforce to secure the cap 38 in position. This structural arrangementprovides a double lock of high integrity. Specifically, the guide rails40 lock in the locking track 20 and the pin 30 locks in the notch 42.

[0028] As a result of the present structural arrangement, hitch ball 32is not only prevented from moving along the longitudinal axis of thepost 12 but is also free to rotate relative to the tapered shank 18 ofthe post 12. This is because the guide rails 40 on the cap 38 freelyorbit around the annular locking track 20 while maintaining a secureconnection. Advantageously, towing efficiency is increased as the freerotation of the hitch ball 32 on the post 12 minimizes the friction thatmust be overcome during towing as the vehicle and trailer turn relativeto each other. Further, relative free rotation of the hitch ball 32 onthe shank 18 prevents any inadvertent loosening of the locking nut 19.

[0029] In addition, it should be appreciated that the hitch ball 32 issecurely held on the post 12. Specifically, the cap 38 may only beremoved when properly aligned with the slot 36 in the hitch ball 32. Inall other positions, the upper margin of the hitch ball 32 whichprojects above the shoulder 48 functions to block cap removal. Further,even when the cap is properly aligned with the slot 36, the springloaded locking pin 30 of detent 26 secured in the post 12 seats in thenotch 42 of the cap 38 so as to secure the cap in position.

[0030] Of course, as noted above, a single vehicle is often used formultiple towing applications. Each trailer towed may include a socketfor receiving a different size hitch ball. Advantageously, the presentinvention allows one to quickly and easily match the hitch ball 32 tothe size of hitch ball socket of the trailer to allow towing. Morespecifically, a hitch ball 32 of substantially any standard diameter maybe secured to the post 12. More specifically, each hitch ball 32 ismachined to incorporate a tapered bore 34 to match the tapered shank 18of the ball hitch 10. In this way, a hitch ball 32 of substantially anydesired diameter may be properly seated on the tapered shank 18 so thatthe slot 36 in the hitch ball is properly aligned with the locking track20 of the post 12 to allow the locking cap 38 to be secured in place inthe manner previously described. Advantageously, this procedure may beperformed conveniently and efficiently in a short amount of time withoutany special tools.

[0031] The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of theinvention has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications orvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example,the hitch ball 32 may be fixed to the post 12 so as to prevent relativerotation therebetween, if desired. This may be accomplished through useof a polygonal shank and mating polygonal hitch ball bore or by someother means. Further, the cap 3 8 may either rotate with the hitch ball32 or the cap may be keyed to the post 12. Additionally, alternativeconfigurations of the guide rails 40 and locking track 20 may beutilized. Any shape or configuration of cooperating male and femalecomponents could be adopted so as to provide an appropriate interlockingof components (e.g. T-shaped, L-shaped). Further, the male and femalecomponents could be reversed. Thus, the track could be provided in thecap 38 and the rail could be provided on the shank 18.

[0032] The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the bestillustration of the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art toutilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the invention asdetermined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance withthe breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

In the claims
 1. An interchangeable ball hitch, comprising: a postincluding a mounting stem and a tapered shank, said tapered shankcarrying a locking track; a ball including a tapered bore received onsaid tapered shank; and a unitary locking cap for directly engaging saidlocking track and securing said ball to said post.
 2. An interchangeableball hitch, comprising: a post including a mounting stem and a shank,said shank carrying a locking track and a cavity; a ball including abore received on said shank; a unitary locking cap for directly engagingsaid locking track and securing said ball to said post; and a detentreceived in said cavity for engaging said cap and securing said cap inplace.
 3. An interchangeable ball hitch, comprising: a post including amounting stem and a tapered shank, said tapered shank carrying a lockingtrack and a cavity; a ball including a tapered bore received on saidtapered shank; a unitary locking cap for directly engaging said lockingtrack and securing said ball to said post; and a detent received in saidcavity for engaging said cap and securing said cap in place.
 4. Theinterchangeable ball hitch of claim 3, wherein said mounting stem isthreaded.
 5. The interchangeable ball hitch of claim 4, furtherincluding a fastener for engaging said mounting stem and securing saidinterchangeable ball hitch to a support structure of a hitch assembly.6. The interchangeable ball hitch of claim 3, wherein said detentincludes a spring loaded pin.
 7. The interchangeable ball hitch of claim6, wherein said cap includes a pair of opposed guide rails for engagingsaid locking track and a notch for receiving said locking pin.
 8. Aninterchangeable ball hitch, comprising: a post including a mounting stemand a tapered shank; a ball including a tapered bore received on saidtapered shank; a locking track carried on one of said shank and said capfor securing said ball to said post; and a unitary locking cap fordirectly engaging said locking track and securing said ball to saidpost.
 9. The interchangeable ball hitch of claim 8, wherein the other ofsaid shank and said cap includes a guide rail for engaging said lockingtrack.
 10. An interchangeable ball hitch, comprising: a post including amounting stem, a shank and a cavity; a ball including a bore received onsaid shank; a locking track carried on one of said shank and said capfor securing said ball to said post; a unitary locking cap for directlyengaging said locking track and securing said ball to said post; and adetent received in said cavity for engaging said cap and securing saidcap in place.
 11. The interchangeable ball hitch of claim 10, whereinthe other of said shank and said cap includes a guide rail for engagingsaid locking track.
 12. A method of securing a hitch ball to a posthaving a longitudinal axis extending in a first direction, comprising:placing said hitch ball on said post; and sliding a locking cap oversaid hitch ball in a second direction substantially perpendicular tosaid first direction while simultaneously engaging said post andsecuring said hitch ball to said post.
 13. The method of claim 12,including providing a track on said post for engagement with said cap.14. A method of securing a hitch ball to a post, comprising: placingsaid hitch ball on said post; sliding a cap over said hitch ball in adirection substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of saidpost; engaging a locking track on said post with said cap; and capturingsaid hitch ball on said post with said cap.